OCR Cambridge National in Child Development (Years 10 and 11)

The OCR Cambridge National in Child Development provides students with a broad understanding of children’s growth, development and care from pre-conception through to the age of five. The course combines classroom learning with practical coursework, helping students develop valuable knowledge and transferable skills that are relevant to careers in childcare, education, health and social care.

Throughout the course, students explore topics including reproduction, pregnancy, antenatal care, birth, postnatal care and parental responsibility. They also learn about the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of children, gaining an understanding of how to support children’s learning and wellbeing during their early years.

Students study the importance of nutrition, hygiene, safety and appropriate equipment for babies and young children. They evaluate the suitability of products and dietary choices, considering how these contribute to healthy development and meet the needs of children from birth to five years.

Course Units

Unit R057: Health and Well-being for Child Development (Exam)

Students develop an understanding of the factors that influence a child’s development before and during pregnancy. They study reproduction, pregnancy, antenatal care, birth, postnatal checks, and the importance of creating a healthy and safe environment for both parent and child. This unit is assessed by a written examination at the end of Year 11.

Unit R058: Create a Safe Environment and Understand the Nutritional Needs of Children from Birth to Five Years (NEA)

Students investigate how to create safe, suitable environments for babies and young children. They learn about essential childcare equipment, health and safety considerations, nutrition, hygiene and the planning of balanced meals to support healthy growth and development.

Unit R059: Understand the Development of a Child from Birth to Five Years (NEA)

Students explore the stages of child development across the physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social areas. They learn how children develop through play and everyday experiences, and how activities can support learning and development during the early years.

The qualification is assessed through two internally assessed coursework units and one externally assessed written examination, providing students with a balance of practical application and theoretical knowledge.